This year marks the first time that DCF has served in Peru on two different trips. Our traditional visit has been in January, but another team of 18 recently returned to the U.S. (and U.K.) after having spent a very good week at Tombo de Gozo, a beautiful church camp in Pisac, outside of Cusco.
We continue to strive to meet some of the dental and optical needs of the local Hispanic and indigenous Quechua people in this portion of the Andes. It is actually winter in Peru this time of year, and therefore a little cooler than in January. Things weren’t quite as green, but still amazingly beautiful landscapes were seen as we looked in every direction.
Over the years God has brought a number of faithful non-dental friends into the DCF family. Our team was comfortable in the cooler temperatures, but because of a heart of compassion and concern for those less fortunate, the Hall family from Roanoke, Virginia donated funds to purchase 100 warm blankets. These were distributed along with milk to poor families living further up the mountain from the camp who reside in much colder conditions. The president of the village came to the clinic the next day expressing his appreciation bringing a large number of potatoes that had been baked in some form of dirt oven.
Everyone who came to the clinic received tooth cleaning, a new toothbrush and paste. More than 40 received restorative care each day, as well as removal of bad teeth. Travis Hall headed up the optical part of the team helping fit many people with reading glasses as well as sunglass and eye drops. Lots of smiles were seen at the moment that clearer vision was realized.
Several local Christians shared Christ’s love with people as they waited. Trips like this one are not about numbers, but it was encouraging that several people wanted to specifically talk about Jesus and/or make professions of faith. The small local church in Pisac is slowly growing thanks to some very dedicated leadership.
God’s ways are amazing. We observed lots of instances where His grace was evident in orchestrating events or circumstances that we could not have put together from a human perspective. It continues to be an honor for DCF teams to serve, mentor, gain new insights into people and places, as well as have fun. Most sincere thanks to those who support, participate, and pray.